The Secret Of Life
Pinecastle, 2020
8/10
An esteemed songwriter who excels at storytelling, singing and guitar playing, Daryl Mosley has made quite a name for himself as a member of the bluegrass outfit New Tradition, as well as The Farm Hands, who have proved time and time again to be among the best of the genre. Here, Mosley offers us 11 originals with an incredible band that includes Adam Haynes on fiddle, Danny Roberts on mandolin and Michael Stockton handling dobro, among others.
“A Few Year Ago” starts out heavy on the strings as the bluegrass melodies seep into the warm opener, and the title track continues the strong song craft with a calmer setting as Mosley’s smooth delivery guides the heartfelt atmosphere.
Near the middle, “It Never Gets Old” is acoustic guitar fueled balladry, while “Do What The Good Book Says” is vocally dominant with sing-alongs amid the playful, upbeat picking that takes nods at New Orleans influences. “A Piece At A Time” then highlights fiddles as vocal harmonies enter the sublime environment.
The albums exits superbly, with the cautious approach of “I’d Write You”, and the swift “Heartache’s Moving In” finishes the listen with themes of love that emit both grace and adventurousness.
Mosley’s proficient vocals are complemented by Irene Kelley, Jaelee Roberts and Jeanette Williams, and together they blend country, bluegrass and gospel into timeless and charming ways on The Secret Of Life, which easily parallels the greatness achieved by Mosley’s other albums.
Travels well with: The Farm Hands-Memories Of Home; Nightflyer- Flight